How much are your Aventura worth?

Before we begin, it is important to note that CIBC Aventura "Points" and "Rewards" are the same and will be used interchangeably.

CIBC uses five flight zones that have fixed points requirements. Certain flight regions provide better value for your CIBC Aventura points. Here at Ratehub.ca we calculated the average dollar value of an Aventura point for every flight region. Here is an Aventura rewards chart outlining what we found:

Flight Region

Max. Ticket Price

Destination

Points Required

Value/Point

Average

Short Haul: Canada/US

$400

Montreal

10,000-20,000

$0.0092

$0.0104

Ottawa

10,000-20,000

$0.0090

New York

10,000-20,000

$0.0130

Long Haul: Canada/US

$800

Los Angeles

25,000-35,000

$0.0142

$0.0132

Vancouver

25,000-35,000

$0.0135

Las Vegas

25,000-35,000

$0.0118

Mexico, Hawaii, Central America, Caribbean

$1,000

Cancun

40,000-60,000

$0.0107

$0.0116

Honolulu

40,000-60,000

$0.0124

Costa Rica

40,000-60,000

$0.0117

Europe

$1,300

Paris

50,000-70,000

$0.0115

$0.0109

Dusseldorf

50,000-70,000

$0.0102

Helsinki

50,000-70,000

$0.0109

Rest of the World

$2,000

Bangkok

75,000-125,000

$0.0101

$0.0119

Melbourne

75,000-125,000

$0.0123

Capetown

75,000-125,000

$0.0134

Total Average

$0.116

Ratehub.ca’s research revealed that on average one Aventura point is worth $0.0116. However, there is a large discrepancy in the value of your points when redeeming for flights in different regions. For example, on average you receive $0.0092/point when redeeming for a flight from Toronto to Montreal, compared to $0.0135/point for a flight from Toronto to Vancouver. The examples below will demonstrate how to value your points.

Here is the methodology we used to value CIBC Aventura Points:

A. Find the price of a comparable flight on Kayak (we use this flight price because if you did not book through CIBC Aventura you would have your choice of booking through any provider).

B. Look up a comparable flight on CIBC Aventura’s rewards centre on the same dates.

C. Add the points required for taxes as well as the dollar value in points of exceeding the maximum ticket price, if applicable, to the general point requirement (dollar value x 100 points/dollar = number of points).

D. Divide the price of a flight found on kayak by the total points required for a comparable flight to find the value of one Aventura rewards point.

When redeeming your points for a flight to Ottawa in September you receive $0.0065/point, which is poor value for your points. As you’ll see in the example below, certain flight regions provide significantly better value for your points.

CIBC Aventura card holders who have an eligible Aventura account issued before October 1, 2013 are able to redeem Aventura points for Aeroplan miles. The exchange ratio is 1 point: 1 mile, in increments of 10,000 points.

More than one airline involved in program?

Can the points be used retroactively?

Expiration date on points?

Yes

No

No

Yes, the CIBC Aventura program allows access to hundreds of airlines, however airlines are subject to availability. Popular airlines include Air Canada, Delta Airlines, Lufthansa and British Airways.

No, they must be used online at CIBCrewards.com or via the call centre in advance of redeeming rewards or travel.

Aventura Points do not expire as long as your account remains open. They will expire if they remain unredeemed for 60 days after you voluntarily close your Aventura credit card account, or within 12 months of the primary cardholder’s death.

With the CIBC Aventura program, you are able to redeem for flights on hundreds of airlines, without blackout dates or seasonal restrictions. Moreover, the 'Aventura Flexible Travel' option gives you the option to pay for flights, vacation packages, cruises, hotels and car rentals with any combination of Aventura points and credit using your CIBC credit card.

CIBC Aventura points require you to order (redeem) miles towards travel or merchandise exclusively on the CIBC website or over the phone. This lowers the flexibility of the Aventura program since it removes your ability to shop around on popular travel sites for the best deals and flights, like many other rewards programs. Unfortunately, once ordered, rewards are non-refundable, non-exchangeable and non-transferable.

The CIBC Aventura program allows you to redeem points to cover all taxes, fees, and surcharges.

Best Way to Use Your CIBC Aventura Points

Redeem for flights in the most valuable regions

Ratehub.ca’s research revealed that on average one Aventura point is worth $0.0116. However, there is a large discrepancy in the value of your points when redeeming for flights in different regions.

To maximize the value of your points it is important to use your points strategically by flying to destinations that provide good value. The best flight regions are Long haul: Canada/US and 'Rest of the World' (Asia, Australia, Africa). To maximize the value of your points you should try to redeem your points for flights in these regions.

Departing From

Flight Region

Value/Point

Toronto

Short Haul: Canada/US
Within a province or U.S. state or to an adjoining province or territory or U.S. state

$0.0104

Long Haul: Canada/US
From any location in Canada or U.S. to any location in Canada or U.S. (except Hawaii and Alaska)

$0.0132

Mexico, Hawaii, Central America, Caribbean
From any location in Canada or U.S. to Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Bermuda, Central America or Caribbean

$0.0116

Europe
From a major gateway in Canada or U.S. to select destinations in Europe

$0.0109

Rest of the World
From a major gateway in Canada or U.S. to select destinations in Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific, Middle East or South America